How to watch Los Angeles Football Club on DirecTV 2025

Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) has reshaped the landscape of Major League Soccer with its electric performances, dynamic supporters, and rapid rise since debuting in 2018. From El Tráfico rivalries to Western Conference showdowns, LAFC games draw growing audiences both in the stadium and across home screens. For fans who want uninterrupted, high-quality coverage, knowing exactly where and how to tune in matters.

DIRECTV remains a top-tier choice for watching LAFC matches live. With dedicated sports channels, high-definition broadcasts, and season-long access, the platform delivers consistent MLS coverage tailored to die-hard and casual viewers alike. Wondering how to lock in your access to every pass, goal, and tactical shift? Let’s walk through the exact steps and channel information to ensure you never miss a minute of LAFC action on DIRECTV.

Inside LAFC: A Club Redefining Soccer Culture in Los Angeles

Rising Talent in the Heart of Los Angeles

Founded in 2014 and based in downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) has rapidly established itself as a force within Major League Soccer (MLS). Home matches at BMO Stadium—the 22,000-seat arena located in Exposition Park—regularly sell out, creating an electric matchday environment. LAFC began MLS play in 2018 and has since claimed multiple playoff berths, a Supporters' Shield in 2019, and an MLS Cup championship in 2022.

Owners Investing in the City and the Sport

LAFC's ownership group blends star power and strategic vision. Minority owners like Magic Johnson, Will Ferrell, and Mia Hamm bring visibility, while lead investor Larry Berg, alongside co-owners Brandon Beck and Bennett Rosenthal, guide the business operations. The club’s structure promotes local engagement and long-term commitment, unlike traditional franchise models focused purely on profit margins.

Capturing All the Action: Why Live Viewing Matters

During prime-time games, the energy at BMO Stadium—flags waving, fans chanting, coordinated tifos rising—is unmatched. Watching live, whether through linear broadcast or a digital stream, captures subtleties missed in replays: the timing of a quick counterattack, the precision of Carlos Vela's left foot, the heat map of play across the pitch. Live broadcasts also offer real-time commentary, immediate post-match analysis, and emotional resonance with fans experiencing the highs and lows simultaneously.

• LAFC’s packed schedule means key matches often unfold under the stadium lights, adding drama and significance.
• Direct access to these games ensures fans don’t miss derby-day emotion against rivals like LA Galaxy.
• Streaming or tuning in live allows viewers to participate in the LAFC experience no matter where they are.

Since its debut, LAFC’s visibility has steadily grown—national TV slots, celebrity supporters in the stands, and a fierce social media presence have pushed the black-and-gold brand beyond the city limits. Every live game is not just a competition; it’s an event tied to a culture reshaping American soccer from the west coast outward.

Plan Ahead with the LAFC Game Schedule

Where to Find the LAFC Game Schedule

The most reliable way to stay updated is through the official Major League Soccer (MLS) website at mlssoccer.com and the LAFC mobile app. Both list the full season schedule, including home and away games, kickoff times, and where each match will be broadcast or streamed. Fans can also subscribe to notifications for schedule updates and match reminders.

The club also provides updates across its official social media channels and on lafc.com, offering additional context such as injury updates, match previews, and fan engagement events tied to game days.

Why Checking the Schedule Early Matters

Match times and days shift regularly due to broadcasting changes, stadium availability, and competition overlap. By reviewing the full schedule at the start of the season, fans can identify potential highlight games, coordinate gatherings, and plan around nationally televised matchups. Early planning ensures uninterrupted viewing—especially for high-stakes or sold-out fixtures.

Season Structure and Key Matchups

The MLS regular season kicks off in late February and typically concludes in October. LAFC usually plays 34 regular-season matches, split evenly between home and away. The campaign includes a mix of conference clashes and inter-conference showdowns.

• El Tráfico: The intensely followed LAFC vs LA Galaxy rivalry happens multiple times per season and draws significant national viewership due to its high-stakes nature and passionate fanbases.
• Western Conference rivals: Key matchups include games against the Seattle Sounders, Portland Timbers, and Austin FC—teams with strong postseason ambitions.
• Playoff context: The final few games of the season often determine playoff seeding or qualification, especially in a tightly contested Western Conference.

If LAFC qualifies for the playoffs, the postseason extends into November, culminating in the MLS Cup. These matches feature exclusive broadcast windows and may not follow the regular season viewing structure, making early awareness of potential dates valuable for fans using DIRECTV or streaming services.

Unlock LAFC Action: DIRECTV Sports Packages That Deliver

Explore DIRECTV Packages That Carry Soccer and MLS Coverage

DIRECTV offers multiple packages that include access to Major League Soccer broadcasts, including every Los Angeles Football Club match that airs nationally or regionally. Each package offers a different level of sports content, so selecting the right one depends on how comprehensive you want your coverage to be. Here's how they stack up in relation to LAFC programming.

ENTERTAINMENT Package

The ENTERTAINMENT package is DIRECTV’s base offering and includes over 75 channels. While it carries some sports programming, such as ESPN and Fox Sports 1—which broadcast occasional MLS games—it does not include regional sports networks (RSNs). This limitation prevents consistent access to locally broadcast LAFC matches.

• Channels Included: ESPN, ESPN2, FOX, FS1
• Soccer Coverage: National games only, limited MLS content
• Best For: Viewers who follow general sports but not looking for complete LAFC coverage

CHOICE Package

The CHOICE package significantly expands access, adding RSNs that are essential for full LAFC viewing. This tier includes over 105 channels, with key soccer networks and region-specific broadcasters. Subscribers in the Los Angeles area gain access to Spectrum SportsNet, where many LAFC games are televised.

• Channels Included: ESPN networks, FOX Sports 1 & 2, local RSNs, Univision, Galavisión
• Soccer Coverage: National and regional LAFC games
• Best For: Fans who want to watch nearly every LAFC match, including those not part of national broadcasts

ULTIMATE & PREMIER Packages

ULTIMATE and PREMIER represent the top-tier packages and include everything from the CHOICE package, plus additional sports and premium channels. With more than 140 channels in ULTIMATE and 150+ in PREMIER, these tiers offer extensive sports coverage, including access to CBS Sports Network, NBC Universo, and long-term access to content from beIN Sports and others, where international soccer leagues are featured.

• Included Channels: Everything in CHOICE, plus CBS Sports Network, NBC Universo, and more
• Soccer Coverage: All regional and national LAFC games, plus international football content
• Best For: Viewers who follow LAFC closely and also want access to broader global soccer content

Each package tier comes with different levels of access, but for consistent LAFC viewing, CHOICE and higher tiers include the specific local and regional channels where broadcasts regularly appear. Consider how much soccer you want in your lineup—MLS-only coverage or a full global dive—and align your DIRECTV package accordingly.

Where to Watch LAFC Games: Channels on DIRECTV

MLS Broadcast Rights: How LAFC Matches Are Distributed

Starting with the 2023 MLS season, a major shift in broadcast strategy has centralized coverage for all league matches under Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass. This includes every Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) game — both regular season and playoffs. National broadcast partners like FOX and FS1 carry select matches, often showcasing key matchups or playoff fixtures. However, local and regional channels no longer hold exclusive rights to regular season games due to this new structure.

The wearing of multiple broadcast hats by Apple, FOX, and FS1 demands clarity for DIRECTV viewers. Not every match airs on traditional linear TV, but DIRECTV’s lineup ensures you won’t miss those that do.

MLS Season Pass on Apple TV: The Central Hub

MLS Season Pass is the exclusive home for every single MLS match, including LAFC. While this platform isn't a traditional channel on DIRECTV, users can integrate Apple TV via DIRECTV’s satellite or streaming boxes equipped with app functionality. With MLS Season Pass, expect livestreams, full replays, Spanish and English commentary, and additional club-focused content.

FOX and FS1: National Windows for Select Games

FOX Sports holds a secondary tier of MLS broadcast rights. LAFC occasionally plays on FOX or FS1, particularly during nationally televised matchweeks, rivalry games, or playoff rounds. As of the 2025 season:

• FOX is available on DIRECTV channel 360 (HD).
• FS1 broadcasts can be found on channel 219 (HD).

DIRECTV includes both channels in the base "Entertainment" package, giving access to high-profile games without requiring an upgraded tier.

Regional and Local Options: Minimal, Yet Sometimes Present

Because of the Apple TV deal, regional sports networks (RSNs) like Spectrum SportsNet or Bally Sports West no longer carry most LAFC regular-season games. However, pre-season friendlies, U.S. Open Cup fixtures, or Leagues Cup matches may appear on local affiliates or RSNs depending on contractual arrangements.

DIRECTV Delivers the Channels That Count

• MLB Season Pass (via Apple TV): Not part of DIRECTV’s native channels but accessible via integrated streaming apps.
• FOX and FS1: Included in all DIRECTV satellite packages and DIRECTV Stream bundles.
• Local Broadcast Channels: Available regionally, dependent on geography and affiliate signal mapping.

Whether you're following a prime-time clash on FS1 or catching a Leagues Cup fixture via a local network, DIRECTV ensures its subscribers receive all live broadcast options that supplement the Apple TV-exclusive coverage.

MLS Season Pass and Streaming Options for Watching LAFC

As part of a sweeping media rights agreement, Major League Soccer partnered exclusively with Apple to launch the MLS Season Pass—a subscription-based streaming service integrated into the Apple TV app. This shift centralizes all LAFC and league-wide matches onto a single platform, eliminating traditional local broadcast deals and consolidating national coverage.

Apple TV's Role in LAFC Coverage

Every LAFC match, including regular season, playoffs, and Leagues Cup fixtures, is available through MLS Season Pass. The service launched in 2023 as part of a 10-year global broadcast deal worth $2.5 billion between MLS and Apple.

• Full access with no regional blackouts: MLS Season Pass offers every MLS game live and on-demand, home or away, without regional restrictions.
• Multilingual commentary: Matches are available with English- and Spanish-language commentary, with select games in French.
• Add-on for DIRECTV subscribers: Having DIRECTV does not include access to the MLS Season Pass. A separate subscription through the Apple TV app is required.

Where and How to Access MLS Season Pass

The MLS Season Pass is fully integrated into the Apple TV app. No Apple TV hardware is necessary. Users can watch matches using:

• Smartphones and tablets: The Apple TV app is available on iOS and Android devices.
• Streaming devices: Use Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or Apple TV 4K to stream LAFC matches on your television.
• Smart TVs: Brands like Samsung, LG, and Vizio support the Apple TV app directly.
• Web browsers: Go to tv.apple.com to stream matches on laptops and desktops.

Pricing for 2025 : MLS Season Pass costs $14.99/month or $99/season; Apple TV+ subscribers get a discounted rate of $12.99/month or $79/season. LAFC season ticket holders receive complimentary access.

Looking for pregame shows, highlights, and player interviews? The Season Pass includes extensive original content beyond live matches, making it the go-to digital hub for dedicated LAFC followers.

Regional Sports Networks and Availability on DIRECTV

Understanding RSNs and Their Role in LAFC Coverage

Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) focus on broadcasting local professional and collegiate sports teams to viewers within a specific geographic region. For Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC), this usually means coverage through networks like Spectrum SportsNet or local affiliates that have broadcasting rights during the Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season.

When LAFC matches are not nationally televised or part of the MLS Season Pass, broadcasts may be handled by an RSN with territorial rights. This ensures fans in Southern California can follow their local team with regionally-focused commentary and studio analysis tailored to the LAFC fanbase.

RSNs Included in DIRECTV Sports Packages

DIRECTV includes access to many RSNs in its CHOICE package and higher tiers. This makes it possible to watch LAFC games airing on local sports networks without requiring additional subscriptions or add-ons. As of 2025 , the CHOICE package includes:

• Spectrum SportsNet (where available)
• SportsNet LA – predominantly for Dodgers, but sometimes bundles regional sports access
• Other RSNs like Bally Sports West and NBC Sports California, depending on location

DIRECTV offers one of the broadest selections of RSNs among national TV providers, granting local fans a reliable option for consistent LAFC access during the MLS season and selected cup competitions.

Local vs. National Availability

Regional availability plays a decisive role in what viewers see. Residents in Southern California markets—such as Los Angeles, Orange County, and parts of Ventura County—typically receive full access to local RSNs carrying LAFC content. Outside this footprint, viewers might not receive these same channels due to licensing and territorial rights.

For example, someone watching in Las Vegas or Phoenix with a DIRECTV CHOICE package may not get Spectrum SportsNet and therefore won't see LAFC matches broadcast regionally. In those cases, fans must rely on national MLS options or alternate streaming services.

Want to know if your ZIP code is covered by a specific RSN? DIRECTV’s official channel lookup tool provides accurate results when entering a local address.

DIRECTV Channel Guide for Soccer Fans

Finding Los Angeles Football Club matches on DIRECTV comes down to knowing when and where to look. With an expansive channel lineup dedicated to both English and Spanish-language soccer coverage, DIRECTV delivers national broadcasts, regional matchups, and exclusive MLS events through a well-structured channel guide.

Key Soccer Channels to Bookmark

• FS1 (Channel 219) and FS2 (Channel 618): Fox Sports 1 and 2 regularly broadcast nationally televised Major League Soccer games, including marquee LAFC matchups. FS1, in particular, covers Sunday and midweek matches.
• FOX (Channel numbers vary locally): As a network partner of MLS, FOX often carries high-profile weekend games. Check your local FOX affiliate for channel details through the DIRECTV guide.
• ABC (Channel numbers vary locally): ABC plays host to marquee MLS events like opening weekend matches and playoff games. Major matches airing on ABC are streamed simultaneously on ESPN platforms.
• TUDN (Channel 464) / Univision (Channel 402): For Spanish-language broadcasts, TUDN and Univision offer a rich mix of live games, commentary, and Studio MLS coverage. LAFC’s international appeal often places its games on this network.
• ESPN Deportes (Channel 466): Echoing its English-language counterpart, ESPN Deportes delivers Spanish-language broadcasts of selected MLS matches, including analysis and match-day specials.

Quick Tips for Navigating the DIRECTV Guide

• Use the DIRECTV on-screen guide: Tap the "Guide" button on your remote, then enter keywords like “LAFC” or “MLS” to instantly pull up relevant programming.
• Try the DIRECTV app or web portal: Log in to your account at directv.com or open the mobile app. Use the search bar to track upcoming LAFC matches and set reminders or recordings.
• Save key channels as favorites: Speed up access by marking FS1, FS2, TUDN, and others as favorites on your receiver box.

With this guide, locating LAFC games becomes part of the routine. Thousands of soccer fans follow their team each season using these channels—why not join them and simplify your search tonight?

Blackout Restrictions and How to Avoid Them

Why Are Some LAFC Games Unavailable in Your Area?

MLS blackout restrictions apply when a game is broadcast locally or nationally and the rights to show it are held by a specific channel in a specific region. This means that even with a DIRECTV subscription, a Los Angeles Football Club game might be inaccessible if you're located within the team's designated market area (DMA) and the broadcaster has exclusive rights. The blackout ensures that local broadcasters retain viewership rights within that zone.

For LAFC fans in Southern California, this often means games may be blacked out on national streaming platforms like Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass if the match airs locally on a regional sports network. These restrictions stem from contractual agreements between leagues, broadcasters, and teams.

How to Watch Every Game Without Interruption

• Subscribe to MLS Season Pass on Apple TV: While blackout rules apply in specific regions, many out-of-market LAFC games stream with no restrictions through this service. Subscribers get access to all regular season matches, playoffs, and Leagues Cup fixtures without concern for regional locks—provided the game isn't blacked out locally.
• Stream on Authorized Smart Devices: Even within blackout areas, authorized access sometimes extends to mobile or smart TV apps. Opening the DIRECTV or Apple TV apps on a supported device may grant access when a broadcast isn't available via satellite or cable.
• Check Blackout Status Before Game Time: Use the MLS Season Pass page or the official LAFC site ahead of each match. Both platforms clearly indicate whether an upcoming game will be viewable in your region. This lets fans plan ahead and switch platforms if needed.

In practice, combining a DIRECTV sports package with an MLS Season Pass subscription delivers the most complete LAFC viewing experience—while smart device access helps fill in any blackout gaps. Taking a few minutes before kickoff to check for restrictions eliminates surprises and guarantees an uninterrupted game night.

Breaking Down the Subscription Requirements to Watch LAFC

DIRECTV Package: The Foundation

To watch any nationally televised LAFC matches on DIRECTV, a base subscription that includes sports channels like FS1, FOX, and ESPN is non-negotiable. These channels are part of DIRECTV’s Choice package and higher tiers. The Choice Package provides access to over 185 channels, including key sports networks that occasionally broadcast MLS national games.

If you’re mainly interested in regional coverage—like matches previously aired on Bally Sports—it’s worth noting that as of the 2023 season, rights for all MLS matches, including regional coverage, have moved exclusively to the MLS Season Pass.

MLS Season Pass: Full Match Coverage

DIRECTV alone won’t give you access to the full LAFC season. Since 2023, Major League Soccer entered into a 10-year global streaming partnership with Apple, centralizing all MLS coverage under the MLS Season Pass. This pass includes:

• Every LAFC regular season and playoff game with no blackouts
• MLS Cup coverage
• Leagues Cup and MLS All-Star Games

MLS Season Pass costs $14.99/month or $99 for the season. If you’re already subscribed to Apple TV+, the price is reduced to $12.99/month or $79/season.

Apple TV+ Account: Platform Access

To activate and view MLS Season Pass, an Apple ID and Apple TV+ account are required, but you don’t have to subscribe to the Apple TV+ service to purchase the pass. The Apple TV app also works across a range of platforms including smart TVs, streaming devices, game consoles, and web browsers.

If you plan to use a DIRECTV set-top box, the Apple TV app is not natively supported. Instead, streaming must occur via a separate compatible device—a smartphone, tablet, smart TV, or a streaming stick like Roku or Apple TV 4K.

In Summary: What DIRECTV Alone Covers

DIRECTV, even with its premium sports packages, will cover only a limited portion of LAFC games—primarily those aired nationally. For uninterrupted access to the full season, including every regular season game, you’ll need to augment your DIRECTV service with a subscription to MLS Season Pass via Apple TV. Neither service, standing alone, offers complete coverage; but together, they close the gap.

Find Your Best Way to Watch LAFC in Action

With several viewing options on the table, choosing how to watch the Los Angeles Football Club depends on your setup, budget, and location. Whether you prefer the crisp clarity of your living room TV or the mobility of a streaming app on the go, both DIRECTV and the MLS Season Pass deliver reliable ways to follow every black-and-gold goal.

Quick Recap: What You Need to Watch LAFC

• DIRECTV Satellite or DIRECTV Stream: Get regional sports networks like KCOP-TV (My13 Los Angeles) or Spectrum SportsNet, when available, plus national games on FOX, FS1, or ESPN.
• MLS Season Pass (via Apple TV): Provides access to every LAFC match, including playoffs and Leagues Cup games, with zero blackouts no matter where you live.

Choose Based on What Matters to You

Looking for the most complete coverage? Pairing DIRECTV’s sports offerings with the MLS Season Pass ensures complete access—home, away, league-wide. Prefer traditional TV? DIRECTV’s satellite service includes a vast lineup of soccer channels and sports tiers. Want streaming flexibility? DIRECTV Stream or Apple TV with MLS Season Pass delivers matches across devices, from smart TVs to mobile apps.

Budget-conscious fans should weigh the cost of national sports add-ons on DIRECTV against the $14.99/month or $99/season flat rate of the MLS Season Pass. Live in Los Angeles? Regional networks on DIRECTV cover many local games. Live elsewhere? MLS Season Pass guarantees no regional restrictions.

Stay Connected with the Black and Gold

LAFC’s rising profile makes every match a must-watch. Staying tuned on DIRECTV and staying subscribed to the MLS Season Pass ensures you never miss a minute of the action. However you decide to watch—whether you’re catching a late kickoff at home or streaming the match while traveling—Los Angeles soccer lives on your screen.

Have you explored the DIRECTV Sports Packages? Or checked the latest MLS Season Pass FAQs? Dive in and pick the setup that gets you closest to the pitch.